From Neglected Wife to CEO’s Obsession novel Chapter 154

“Boss, let me handle this, okay?”

Some things are like a river that’s been blocked for too long—eventually, the pressure builds up and everything bursts. Sometimes it’s better to just let things flow and deal with them head-on. That’s how you avoid real disaster.

I’m not Mrs. Thompson anymore. From now on, there’ll be gossip, suspicion, people trying to bring me down or embarrass me. I don’t have parents or family to lean on. No one’s got my back but me. So I have to toughen up and face whatever comes my way, no matter how hard it gets.

If I keep hiding behind someone else, I’ll always be like a bird with clipped wings, just waiting to get picked off. But I want more than that. I want to soar under my own power, like an eagle.

“Alright,” Elliot said, giving me one of his rare, cool smiles. “Go for it. Don’t hold back.”

I steadied myself and stepped forward as the press surged around. I grabbed the mic that was stretched out closest to me and smiled.

“Good evening, everyone. I’m Avery Greenwood, Director of Technology at Elite Tech. My appearance here with Mr. Swanson tonight is strictly a company decision. If any media outlet publishes something inappropriate or defamatory about me, I’ll take legal action. No exceptions.”

The room went quiet. I kept going, calm and collected. “Thank you for your concern about my personal life. There’s been a lot online lately about my husband Remy and his affair with his ex-girlfriend. It’s true. I filed for divorce at the beginning of this month, and the legal process is underway. If you want updates, just check the court schedule. Thanks.”

I handed the mic back and gave a polite nod, then followed Elliot onto the red carpet, with two rows of bodyguards in black suits by our sides.

“Well done. Keep it up,” Elliot said, his tone warmer than usual. “That’s the Avery Greenwood I expect to see.”

He really knows me that well?

“He’s not worth our time,” I said flatly, not bothering to hide my annoyance.

Still, I quietly slipped my arm out of Elliot’s, not wanting to drag him into my drama in front of all these cameras.

The second my hand left his arm, it felt like a cold wind swept over us, making me shiver.

“Um, boss, I just don’t want to get you caught up in this. The media’s here, and Remy’s the kind of guy who could try anything.”

Elliot let out a short, dry laugh, then caught my wrist with his long fingers and slid my arm right back through his, holding it in place. “Don’t worry. If those bottom-feeders want to start something, I’m more than happy to handle it myself.”